[Guest Post] Easy, Delicious Pasta Primavera in Under 30 Minutes by Michelle Rebecca

 

Healthy, wholesome meals that are also quick and easy to prepare aren’t difficult to come by, if you know where to look and have a little creativity. This recipe for pasta primavera will provide a complete, balanced meal for the whole family that also happens to taste wonderful. Even the kids won’t mind the veggies!

Ingredients:

3          Yellow squash, sliced

3          Zucchini, sliced

1          Pound mushrooms, sliced

4          Tablespoons butter or margarine

1          16-ounce box penne

2          15-ounce jars Alfredo sauce

Instructions:

In a large boiler, boil water and prepare pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced squash and zucchini and cover with lid. Allow to cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and add mushrooms. Cook an additional five minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Add Alfredo sauce to skillet and warm slightly. Drain pasta and return to boiler. Combine vegetable-Alfredo mix with pasta and toss until evenly distributed. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Ideas to Enjoy Your Easy Italian Dish Even More

If you’d like to make this dinner a special affair, consider one of the following ideas:

·         Dress up the table. Dim the lights in the dining room, put a fancy tablecloth on the table, and light a couple of candlesticks. Serve bowls of the pasta restaurant-style to create a feeling like you’ve gone out for a fancy dinner.

·         Take it outside. Your pot of primavera makes a nice, portable, complete meal. Set up a picnic area and move everyone outdoors. Just make sure your Mosquito Magnet traps are set and working so you don’t have to fight the bugs to enjoy your impromptu picnic.

·         Create dinner and a movie. Slide your main furniture out of the way and create a makeshift theatre out of pillows. Give everyone their meal and settle in on the floor for a fun family film.

While this recipe will make more than enough for a family of six, you may still want some side items to go with it. Sides that go well with pasta primavera include garlic bread, bistro salad, and yeast rolls.

For dessert, consider picking up some Italian ice, cheesecake, or cannoli. A nice, freshly brewed cup of coffee or cappuccino is also a nice finishing touch for those who enjoy these beverages.

You can increase the difficulty level by trying your hand at your own Alfredo sauce. You can also simplify the recipe even further by purchasing vegetables that are pre-sliced by your grocer. However you choose to do it, though, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll find yourself turning to over and over again.

Michelle is a blogger and freelancer. She’s written about almost every topic under the sun, and loves constantly learning about new subjects and industries while she’s writing. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter and Google+.